Iowa, a state in the Midwest
of the United States of America, was admitted to the Union in 1846 as the 29th
state. The people are very friendly, enjoy good food, and enjoy being in the
political hotbed every four years when the Caucuses roll through the state. The
state is quite rural, with plenty of fields of corn and soybeans and hog farms,
although some cities, such as Des Moines, have a strong metropolitan feel.

Iowa has been a historically
progressive state. It is an unusually political state, owing in large part to
its unusually large role in the presidential nomination process. While Iowans
tend to welcome political discussion more than most, their usual friendliness
does not allow for much hostile or particularly contentious debate. Feel free to
ask Iowans about the caucuses, and don't hesitate to offer your own opinion
about political matters, but be respectful.